So, you’re planning a trip to France? Or any French-speaking countries?
But you do not speak French?
Here are 20 Survival French phrases for travellers you need to know and words that you might need through your trip to make it a little easier!
As sometimes not everyone does speak English, although most of the time French (at least in Paris) knows at least basic English so you should be fine. Especially in touristy areas, it shouldn’t be a problem as they are accustomed to foreigners and required to speak English. If you go to the country or some less visited areas though, it’s 50/50!
However, I think it’s always nice to know a little bit or some words of the language of the country your visiting!
As I wrote above those French phrase can be used in any French-speaking countries, they contain necessary words and sentences that might use during your stay. To ask for help to buy Metro tickets (although it’s reasonably easy with the machine and you can choose the language you wish) at restaurants and so on!
Easy French Phrases You Need To Know When You Visit
Alright, so first of all, let’s start with some really easy words (I promise it is, I don’t say that because I’m French), which are basic French.
FRENCH
- Bonjour | Bonsoir
- Au revoir
- S’il vous plait
- Pardon ~ Excusez moi
- Merci (beaucoup)
- De rien
- Oui / Non
ENGLISH
- Good Morning/Good Evening
- Good Bye
- Please
- Excuse me
- Thank you (very much)
- You’re Welcome
- Yes / No
See? I told you this is easy! So, it’s time to move onto my next bit.
Now that you have a few basic vocabularies that could be useful during your trip in France let’s move onto some more complete phrases to add to your survival french phrases guide ➻
FRENCH
- Parlez-vous anglais ?
- Je ne comprends pas
- Je ne parle pas français
- Excusez moi, pouvez vous m’aider?
- Où est la gare?
- Où est la rue x?
- Où est x?
- Comment faire pour aller à ?
- A quelle heure le bus/train part-il ?
- Un/deux… tickets s’il vous plait –
- L’addition s’il vous plait
- C’est combien ?
- Quelle heure est-il s’il vous plait ?
ENGLISH
- Do you speak English?
- I don’t understand
- I don’t speak French
- Excuse me, can you help me?
- Where is the train station?
- Where is x street ?
- Where is -any monuments or place you’d like to go to-
- How do I do to go to x ?
- When does the bus/train leaves?
- One/two tickets, please
- The bill, please.
- How much is it?
- What time is it please ?
Read: Tourists Scams To Avoid In Paris
I know French pronunciation can be a little tricky for foreigners (but it’s cute!) especially with our “r” for example. While I can’t help you out with pronunciation on a written post ( well actually I could record and post on here, but, trust me, you don’t want to hear my awkward self, anyhoo) I can, however, link you to this super useful website, Forvo.
Forvo is an online pronunciation dictionary where natives speakers record themselves saying a specific word, so you can search for the word you need so you know how to pronounce it! It’s an excellent tool for anyone learning a language on their own.
With this, you have some basic phrases and words you can use day to day anywhere during your trip to France or in any French-speaking countries! Hopefully, this will help you out. Who knows you might even want to start and learn French after ah ah.
If you’d like to know anything else, leave me a comment below, and I will gladly help you out. 🙂
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Easy French Phrases and words to know for Travellers
Julie Boyd says
I am so embarrassed that I did not learn more french when I visited two years ago. This is super helpful, and I will definitely be studying up more for the next time I visit.
Lyne says
Even knowing a little French goes a long way, it’s the effort that is appreciated 🙂
Natasha L says
Handy little guide for non-French speakers. I find a simple Bonjour and Merci, au revoir go a long way in Paris. Couple it with a smile and you’re all set!
Lyne says
So true! It’s always nice when you see that people makes effort 🙂
Kaylene (Chadwell) Isherwood says
This is super helpful! Sometimes when I visit France, I forget all of the French I have learned haha, so I’ve pinned this post to look at before the next time I go. These phrases are super helpful to know when traveling in France.
Lyne says
It’s easy to forget when you don’t practise ahah. Happy to help! 🙂
carolineolesky says
Love this post! I’ve been studying French for 7 years and still can’t get my Rs right.
A Single Woman Traveling says
Very helpful! I think it’s so important to know key phrases when traveling!
Lorenza says
Very helpful! I took French in school but with Italian, had forgotten so many phrases! Thank you for the reminder!
Rebecca says
Looks like a great spot to explore!